Storytime Treasures from Memoria Press provides young readers with a carefully selected collection of living books, complete with fun, engaging worksheets designed to enhance comprehension and enjoyment. Inspired by Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy, these books are chosen for their high literary quality, rich language, and timeless themes, setting them apart from the shallow, simplistic “twaddle” Mason cautioned against.

In Charlotte Mason’s view, living books are essential because they engage a child’s imagination and intellect simultaneously, presenting ideas that are as nourishing as they are memorable. By reading Storytime Treasures selections, children encounter well-drawn characters and meaningful stories that help shape their understanding of the world and encourage critical thinking. The accompanying worksheets from Memoria Press make this experience even more engaging by prompting reflection, reinforcing new vocabulary, and inviting children to narrate or retell the story in their own words. This approach aligns with Mason’s belief in narrating as a tool to deepen comprehension, strengthen memory, and develop a personal connection with the material.

Children crave living ideas, brilliant stories, and heartfelt illustrations. When you give them these, then reading is simple! The living books that are a party of Memoria Press’ Storytime Treasures are amazing first books. These would be read after a child has learned how to read and is learning more sight words.

You can find more of my Living Book Lists here:

I share the books and the inside of the Storytime Treasures in the quick video below! These wonderful, and often silly, stories are a great introduction to reading-on-their-own for any child!

Storytime Treasures Links:

Little Bear Books by Else Holmelund Minarik

These charming stories follow Little Bear, a curious and imaginative cub, as he embarks on small adventures with his family and friends. Themes include love, kindness, and the joy of everyday life, with gentle lessons about growing up.

Frog and Toad Books by Arnold Lobel
These heartwarming tales of friendship between Frog and Toad highlight their endearing personalities and teach lessons about patience, perseverance, and helping others, often through humorous or touching situations.

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Mr. and Mrs. Mallard search for a safe place to raise their ducklings in Boston. Their journey, with the help of kind police officers, teaches themes of family, protection, and cooperation in an urban environment.

Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
A peddler tries to sell caps but finds himself in a humorous struggle with a group of mischievous monkeys who steal them. The story is about persistence, clever problem-solving, and staying calm when things go wrong.

Billy and Blaze by C.W. Anderson
In this classic tale, Billy forms a deep bond with his horse Blaze, as they go on adventures and demonstrate the importance of responsibility, trust, and friendship between a boy and his horse.

Blaze and the Forest Fire by C.W. Anderson
Billy and Blaze must act quickly when they discover a forest fire. With bravery and teamwork, they help save the day, emphasizing the themes of courage, quick thinking, and doing the right thing in dangerous situations.

The Story of Ping by Marjorie Flack and Kurt Wiese
Ping, a little duck living on the Yangtze River, gets separated from his family and faces various dangers as he tries to find his way home. This story highlights independence, consequences, and the safety of home.

Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie by Peter and Connie Roop
Based on a true story, young Abbie takes on the responsibility of keeping the lighthouse lamps lit during a storm when her father is away. The book teaches resilience, duty, and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds.

Stone Soup by Marcia Brown
In this folk tale, three clever soldiers convince a village of stingy peasants to contribute ingredients to make “stone soup.” The story promotes the values of sharing, community cooperation, and generosity.

The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton
This tale follows the life of a small house in the countryside as the world around it changes, eventually becoming part of a bustling city. The book teaches about the passage of time, environmental change, and the importance of home and simplicity.

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
Miss Rumphius is determined to make the world more beautiful, fulfilling a promise to herself. She does so by spreading lupine flowers wherever she goes, teaching readers the importance of kindness, generosity, and leaving a positive legacy.

Storytime Treasures from Memoria Press

More Storytime Treasures from Memoria Press

Storytime Treasures provides young readers with a blend of enjoyment and educational depth, cultivating both a love of reading and a strong foundation in literacy skills through quality literature that resonates and endures. We love all of these books and we know you and your kids may love them too!